Working on integrity in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
The report ‘Governmental-administrative integrity in the Caribbean Netherlands’ of the Research and Data Centre (WODC) offers a current perspective of the vulnerabilities with regard to the integrity of public office holders and civil servants in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. The report shows that improper use of authorities probably happens a lot. In general, this does not result in criminal offences such as fraud and corruption.
Still, the Dutch government and the island governments consider the findings of the report alarming, and they see the need for a joint approach with strict measures. In that approach, the island administrations are responsible for their own integrity policy, is the state secretary of Digitalization and Kingdom Relations responsible for the governmental and legal criteria and the minister of Justice and Security for all that pertains to criminal law.
State Secretary Zsolt Szabó: “Integrity of political office holders and civil servants is an essential part of good governance and a precondition for economic growth and self-reliance of the islands”.
Minister David van Weel: “Residents and entrepreneurs in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba should be able to trust that the government is transparent and righteous and works for the general interest”.
In the policy reaction on the report that was sent to the Dutch Second Chamber, State Secretary of Digitalization and Kingdom Relations Zsolt Szabó and Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel announce measures and a joint approach with the island administrations. This approach is based on the findings from the report: strengthening of the legal framework and procedures, exemplary conduct at the top, strengthening of the inter-administrative supervision, putting social preconditions in place and monitoring of integrity.